FOOD AND HEALTH:Vegetarian food has already stormed the dining table in many households throughout the world today. The enthusiasm over vegetarianism has been growing over the years due to its nutritional value and its resistance to diseases.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr. D.P. Atukorale says that vegetarian food contains all the nutrients needed for our healthy living and a balanced, nutritious diet will keep away many common diseases such as hypertension, heart diseases, infections and even cancer.

A nutritious diet should consist of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fat, Vitamins, Minerals and Fibres.

Carbohydrates are found in food such as rice, bread, Potatoes, Kurakkan and fruits. It provides strength and energy and make our muscles strong.

Avocado, cashew nuts, gingili Oil and sun flower oil are among many that contain fats. Fats are necessary to keep our bodies healthy and unsaturated fats reduce the incidence of heart attacks, he says.

Vitamins are essential for normal metabolism, growth and development of our bodies. There are a number of vitamins, each work to protect our bodies from different ailments. Soya, dairy products, vegetables and fruits contain many variety of vitamins.

Calcium, Magnesium, iron, phosphorus and potassium fall under the category of minerals. Calcium is essential for the formation of bones and teeth and mainly minerals in spinach, gotu kola and local vegetables ensure smooth cardiac functioning and nerve and muscle function. Fibre is not found in meat, fish and egg but only present in vegetarian diet. Green vegetables, kohila, jackfruit, yeast and fruits contain fibre.

Diseases of the stomach and the intestine Our gastrointestinal system is similar to that of non-meat eating animals such as monkeys, rabbits and deer. The hydrochloric acid (HCL) content in human stomach is quite low.

Our small intestine is about 23 feet long and the large intestine is about 6 feet long and this is an adaptation for maximum digestion of plant foods. When the toxic products of the meat remain longer in the intestine of vegetarians there is the tendency for developing cancer.

Obesity Obesity is a condition, non-vegetarians are often faced with. Statistics show that in the United States, 60 percent of the population over 40 years of age are over-weight. Those who are over-weight are more prone to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, varicose veins and cancer.

Hypertension (High blood pressure)

The set up of hormones in non-vegetarians is different from those of vegetarians. There is scientific evidence to show that incidence of hypertension is lower among vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians.

Heart disease Vegetarians are less subject to heart disease because

(a) Vegetarians are less prone to obesity.

(b) Vegetarians have lower levels of blood cholesterol than meat-eaters as

Cancer Vegetarians are less prone to develop cancer. Meat eaters are more prone to develop cancer of the stomach, large intestine, prostrate, breasts, bladder, cervix and ovaries.

Antioxidants in vegetarian diet (fresh fruits an vegetables) such as vitamin E, vitamin C and betacarotene prevent development of cancer. Vegetarians have less free radicals compared to non-vegetarians. As such they are less prone to cancer, heart disease other degenerative diseases.

Bacterial and viral infections Vegetarians will never get infected with diseases like Mad Cow Disease and Tape Worm Disease (which occur in people who eat infected pork, fish and beef)

Food poisoning is an ailment common among non-vegetarians and is very rare among vegetarians. Food poisoning is due to contamination of our food by bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Campylobacter and is characterized by severe vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea few hours after taking meals usually in a restaurant or a five star-hotel.

Mental diseases Mental disease are more prevalent among non-vegetarians compared to vegetarians. Migraine is less common among vegetarians. Addiction to liquor is very rare among vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians.

Behaviourial patterns When one has a heavy meal consisting of meat, a good night's sleep is not possible. Food rich in carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and sweets taken before one goes to bed, helps to relax people and helps one to wake up with pleasant feelings and a restful nights sleep makes one able to concentrate on his work better.

In the Indian prison camp Golier, prisoners when given vegetarian food became less quarrelsome. But when reverted to meat diet became boisterous and quarrelsome.

A Japanese Professor has pointed our that, there would be peaceful co-existence and that the world would be a better place to live in if the world population subsisted on a vegetarian diet.

Extraction from "Vegetarian Food for Health and Happiness" by Dr. D.P. Atukorale.